(European Civic Forum on CIVICUS Monitor) Journalists in the UK are increasingly being targeted by pro-Brexit and far-right activist while covering protests. The trend is on the rise, according to Reporters without Borders UK’s Rebecca Vincent. For example, the Guardian newspaper columnist Owen Jones reported of being mobbed by pro-Brexit supporters during his speech at the People’s Assembly on 12th January 2019 and previously after doing an interview outside the Houses of Parliament in London on 7th January. In January 2019, there have been a number of additional reports of pro-Brexit protesters harassing journalists reporting from Westminster as well as politicians when giving interviews, as debates over Brexit heated up.
So, after speaking at today's @pplsassembly rally, I was mobbed by fascists trying to swing punches and who spat down my neck (I know right, yuck, fascist spit!) Thanks to the comrades who kept them at bay. Again, not intimidated by these fash, we are going to defeat you 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/C0MxdlIRZp
— Owen Jones 🌹 (@OwenJones84) January 12, 2019